What can I do instead of self harm?

Watching videos on youtube or listening to music helps me a lot, some other things that could help other people is art. Draw something even if it isn't "good" it could be a simple line if that's what helps you. You could also fight the urge by writing stories, or poetry.

Take a rubber band and put it on your wrist like a bracelet, then flick it, it will release feel good chemicals in your brain and it will minimize the need for self harm. It would also be a good idea to hide all those things that you could use to harm yourself. You can also start a new hobby like painting or singing. Dancing also helps relieve stress and anger. Take a class on a hobby so you can stick up with that hobby. Remind yourself every day that you are worthy and it is not your fault! You don’t deserve to harm yourself! Going to therapy also helps. Sometimes you have to do a variety of things to help yourself get out of a bad habit.

There are many other ways you can cope with stress, anxiety, and pain without physically harming your body. You could pick up a new hobby, express your thoughts and feelings in a journal, or listen to music that relates to how you feel. One of the most important things to do remember is to talk to someone. A family member, friend, or coming on websites similar to 7Cups who are here to listen. There are tons of other things you could do instead of self-harm that don't physically damage you and makes improves your mental health. Remember that there are people out there to talk to you.

Thank you for reaching out! There are several ways of dealing with the need to self-harm. Some of them can help you get through the moment, and others distract you or calm you down. An example of a "get through the moment" method may be Ice Method. It works by putting ice-cold water on your upper face. It helps with panic attacks or urges to self-harm, as it triggers a reflex, that automatically slows down your heart and activate relaxation response. It may not help your mind that much, but it'll calm down your body, and it makes it easier. Some ideas for distraction, to help you get your mind off of this: counting backwards by sevens from 100, counting anything you see around you (tiles on the floor, people walking by, etc.), or focusing on self-expression, for example while doing one of your hobbies. Sometimes, you'll need something stronger. In that case, you can use intense sensations: squeeze an ice cube, eat something spicy or sour, take a hot or cold shower. At the end, it's good to slowly calm and soothe yourself. You can do so, by doing various breathing exercises, listening to calm music, or even looking at wholesome animal pictures. It's important, to find out what's right for you. There are also apps directed at those who self-harm Calm Harm app, Mindshift CBT, Breather. You are also welcome to reach out to one of our listeners or therapists on our site for a listening ear! Take care!

What I did when I self harmed to keep myself from doing it was doing all the things that make me happy. Listen to my favorite song, eat my favorite foods. Go somewhere that is peaceful to you. Distractions are the things that will help you to stop completely. I hope that this helps. :)

Melt an icecube in between your hands. It is painful, but has no lasting scars, effects, or mess. You can easily help yourself out of the sadness of self harm.

You can try substituting cutting or burning yourself with another action, such as tapping your fingers against your skin when you feel the urge to hurt yourself, holding ice to your skin, or massaging the part of your skin that you feel the urge to harm. Better yet, you can look for an artistic or athletic outlet to release any pent-up feelings.

Instead of self harming you could try writing everything that has upset you or hurt you in a piece of paper and then burn it :)

I have learned that writing down whats going on in my life and then ripping it apart really helps me sometimes when I feel like I might do something I would regret, or when I feel overwhelmed.

You can do so, so many other things. My friend once told me to put 'everything' in a corner, and then read a book. Listening to music and maybe drinking some water also helps. And to let out your emotions, choose the closest friend you have and talk about them (your emotions). Maybe have a friend-bonding session, in which you both talk about emotions.